Evaluation of microbial activity, N-NH3 and CO2 losses in poultry litter treated with basalt rock powder

Authors

• Janete Chaves Dellabeta Curtis ¹
• Augusto Vaghetti Luchese ²
• Robson Fernando Missio * ^{3, 4}

1. Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná — Setor Palotina, Rua Pioneiro, 2153, Jd Dallas, Palotina, Paraná, Brazil
2. Departament of Agronomic Science, Setor Palotina, Federal University of Paraná, Brazil
3. Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná Setor Palotina, Rua Pioneiro, Palotina, Paraná, Brazil
4. Departament of Agronomic Science, Setor Palotina, Fed-eral University of Paraná, Brazil

Abstract

Purpose Poultry litter (PL) and basalt rock powder (BRP) are raw materials highly produced in some Brazilian regions. The association of these products can generate greater added value for the agribusiness chain and be a sustainable source of fertilizer.
Method The experiment consisted of an incubation trial over time for chemical characterization of the materials. The treatments used were the mixtures 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g of BRP per 100 g of PL, as well as the pure PL and BRP controls. During the incubation period, the atmospheric releases of CO₂ (40 days) and N-NH₃ (43 days) were determined. At the end of the process, the chemical quantification of the essential elements in all treatments was performed.
Results In our study, we observed that adding 30% of BRP to the PL promoted less volatilization and a faster stabilization of the N-NH₃ release, associated with a greater release of CO₂ into the atmosphere. The extractable P and K contents decreased starting with treatment T30. The T10 treatment showed the highest total nutrient contents, although it showed no statistical difference for some nutrients when compared with PL.
Conclusion The use of up to 30% of BRP in PL can be an economic and advantageous alternative for sustainable agricultural fertilization.

Highlights

• The poultry litter enriched with BRP can be a great alternative as fertilizer in agriculture.
• The addition of 30% of BRP to the poultry litter provided higher CO₂ emissions and rapid stabilization in NH₃ volatilization.
• An increase in the total of Ca, P, and K contents can be obtained with addition of 10% of BRP to the poultry litter.

Keywords

• Sustainability
• Ammonium
• BRP
• Composting
• Organic Fertilizer